Dash routed by playoff-bound Seattle Reign FC

Updated 11:04 pm, Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Houston Dash Arianna Romero (2) heads the ball away from Portland Thorns Christine Sinclair (12) in the first half on May 14, 2014 at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, TX. Portland won 1 to 0.

Houston Dash Arianna Romero (2) heads the ball away from Portland Thorns Christine Sinclair (12) in the first half on May 14, 2014 at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, TX. Portland won 1 to 0.

Photo: Thomas B. Shea, For The Chronicle

Dash routed by playoff-bound Seattle Reign FC

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The Dash hope one day to be the best team in the National Women's Soccer League. On Wednesday night the expansion franchise saw exactly what they need to aspire to.

Seattle Reign FC scored in the second minute and never looked back en route to a 4-1 victory over the Dash at BBVA Compass Stadium.

The triumph allowed Seattle (15-1-4) to clinch the NWSL Shield and the league's No. 1 playoff seed. The Dash (5-11-3) barely have a glimmer of hope remaining when it comes to qualifying for the postseason.

"You saw a really, really good team with a lot of experience playing against a very young team," Dash coach Randy Waldrum said. "They were fantastic. The way they play is what we want our team to look like. We know it's going to take time."

The Dash, which had not lost in three matches, had a few promising moments early. Their best first-half opportunity came in the 28th minute when Becky Edwards from the edge of the 6-yard box headed down a corner kick. Goalkeeper Hope Solo dove to stop it on the line and preserve a two-goal lead.

They trailed, 3-0, before they finally pulled one back in the 55th minute.

Kealia Ohai beat a defender on the right wing and dribbled into the penalty area along the end line. Solo came two steps off the near post, and Ohai shot inside of Solo. The ball went off of her hand and across the line.

"In the first half I was doing a lot of dribbling down the line and crossing," Ohai said. "I think she thought that's what was going to happen. I saw the near post open and put it in."

Houston conceded the winner before it had a chance to settle in. Kim Little, the league's leading scorer, shot from the center of the penalty area only to have it slowed down by defender Whitney Engen. U.S. Women's National Team player Sydney Leroux pounced on the deflection and kicked it into the net.

Little added to the lead in the 26th minute with her 13th goal of the season. The Reign went in front by three in the 48th minute when USWNT player Megan Rapinoe hit the side netting with what looked to be a crossing pass from the left side. Little scored again in the 78th minute.